Deputies with Lowndes County Sheriff's Office are still investigating the accident which occurred about noon on Yorkville Road, LCSO Chief Deputy Marc Miley said. Thompson was driving a blue Toyota Camry east toward New Hope when his vehicle struck a silver Honda Accord headed west toward Columbus.

Merchant pronounced Thompson dead at the scene at about 12:40 p.m.

Miley said the Honda's driver, a juvenile whose identity authorities have not released, was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle with what appeared to be non life-threatening injuries.

Miley said there is no evidence to suggest either driver was intoxicated.